The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a significant rule change by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) aimed at reducing the backlog in the asylum system. This interim final rule allows USCIS to refer asylum applications directly to Immigration Judges without first interviewing the applicant.
Previously, USCIS would typically adjudicate affirmative asylum applications or refer them to an Immigration Judge, often leading to a second review opportunity. The new measure is designed to shorten the total time for adjudicating asylum applications and address what officials describe as exploitation of the system for delay and work authorization.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said, "America’s asylum system exists to protect individuals who genuinely fear persecution and this rule will help ensure that resources are directed to the timely adjudication of those claims instead of to those seeking to use the system as a loophole." DHS General Counsel James Percival added that the rule would improve efficiency and fulfill the President's mandate. The new rule takes effect immediately.